The Donatist Controversy Began with the Problem of the Authority

question 36

Essay

The Donatist controversy began with the problem of the authority of bishops who had renounced the faith under persecution, but were now restored. Augustine's position was that the sacramental power that they administrated had nothing to do with their personal holiness but only God's grace. Is this a coherent position? How is it defensible or not to have sinful ministers who still have sacramental authority?

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Definitions:

Ptosis

Falling down of an organ—for example, the drooping of the upper eyelid.

Oculomotor Nerve

The cranial nerve III, responsible for controlling a majority of eye movements, pupil constriction, and keeping the eyelid open.

Upper Eyelid

The movable tissue covering the upper portion of the eye, protecting it and regulating the amount of light that enters.

Cranial Nerves

Cranial nerves are twelve pairs of nerves that emerge directly from the brain, not the spinal cord, and are involved in sensory and motor functions.